St. Martin News Network - St. Maarten - St. Martin Newshttp://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news.html
Wed, 13 Dec 2017 22:35:25 -0400en-gbadmin@smn-news.com (St. Martin News Network)Doncher appoints new board at BTP.http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/27909-doncher-appoints-new-board-at-btp.html
http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/27909-doncher-appoints-new-board-at-btp.htmlPHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Economic Affairs and Telecommunications Mellissa Arrindell-Doncher has formally appointed a new board for the Bureau Telecommunication and Post (BTP), finalizing a process that started in May of 2017.

The three new members to form the board are attorney Sjamira Roseburg, businessman Chester “Chet” Euton and businessman Louis Bute. All three were approved by the Council of Ministers and formally appointed via LB (Landsbesluit) signed by His Excellency Governor Eugene Holiday. The term of the former board had come to an end in 2016, leaving BTP without a board ever since.

The Minister on Monday congratulated the three new members who she described as extremely capable professionals who will all be great assets to BTP. Director of BTP Anthony Carty was also present for the Minister’s official brief welcome of the new board.

Press Release from the Ministry of ECYS

]]>admin@smn-news.com (SMN NEWS TEAM)Local NewsWed, 13 Dec 2017 22:13:05 -0400Board of University of St. Martin Foundation (BUSMF) sticks to decision to close USM despite Government’s offer to “Save USM”.http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/27908-board-of-university-of-st-martin-foundation-busmf-sticks-to-decision-to-close-usm-despite-government-s-offer-to-save-usm.html
http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/27908-board-of-university-of-st-martin-foundation-busmf-sticks-to-decision-to-close-usm-despite-government-s-offer-to-save-usm.htmlPHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday December 11th, the government represented by Minister Jacobs and supported by the Department of Education and the Divisions of Inspection and Exams met with members of the Board of USM foundation represented by President Mrs. Giterson-Pantophlet, Vice President Wycliffe Smith, member Marcella Henry and MFO Robert Judd in what the Ministry expected would be the final meeting to come to an agreement regarding saving the University from imminent closure and all the negative consequences thereof.After almost 2 weeks of discussion and correspondence back and forth about the MOU it appeared last Friday that the USMF board was prepared to accept the proposed financial injection of 3 monthly installments of 230K guilders to get classes restarted, however, that was not the case.On Friday, while the Ministry prepared for a meeting to fine-tune the agreement and further explain how the feedback of Legal Affairs and USM was worked out in the document, USM handed us a letter and postponed the meeting to discuss further with other board members not present.The Ministry taking USM’s concerns into consideration, further tweaked the MOU in USM’s favor, conceding that due to the emergency the injection would be free and clear of any deductions, and that the study financing tuition and other fees (balance 2015/2016) due would still be paid as well, including the current subsidy USM continues to receive (Ang. 63,750 monthly) without living up to the obligations for such.Financially, USM would receive 230K after the MOU was signed (CoM will render a decision this week and payment would occur shortly after). The second payment would take place on January 8, with the third payment in February. The University would also bill government as usual for the students who receive study financing as soon as they could start which could be between 170-200K depending on the number of students.The University is further expected to cooperate with SOAB to do the financial review of their books from 2013-2016, as well as allow an investigation into the financial management and structure of USMF and its affiliates (USMEF, MDC N.V) and provide recommendations to restructure it to improve accountability, efficiency, transparency and management of USM in relation to its usage of public funds and guaranteeing quality education.Once financial statements are completely reviewed and approved by SOAB, USMF would also be eligible to receive the 10% withheld (170K).USM is also expected to report monthly on the usage of the funds to avoid it being used for old debts, and to ensure that funds are used to be able to execute the core objectives of the University - Education.USM had mentioned in its closure options presented to the Minister in writing the possibility for the USM Endowment Foundation to secure a loan to pay off debts and so this also was included in the MOU to ensure that the new injection of funds would not be used for this purpose.USM was also to submit all necessary documentation in order for the Ministry to process an increase in structural subsidy request (made November 2, 2017) of 3 million guilders per year by January 31 in order for the Ministry to have time to prepare the advice for a decision by March 30. This increase would remain in place until the Higher Education Ordinance could go Into effect or until further increase is requested.Government also highlighted the finalization of the Higher Education Ordinance as a high priority with deadline December 2018.USM demanded that it be at Parliament by June 2018, which the Minister and Dept Head of Education Lacorbiniere-Hodge explained to the president and representatives why that was not possible in the current situation as collaboration with Legal Affairs is necessary for vetting. The Ministry is also seeking technical assistance to aid with the legal advice for this and other ordinances.A formation plan of its staffing and the hiring of an Dean and President were also expected with the restart of the semester.All this was presented with the intention to immediately inject much-needed funds, provide assistance with reporting, recommendations for restructuring, increase efficiency, move towards a higher structural subsidy, and the finalization of Higher Education Ordinance to promote quality Higher Education on St. Maarten at USM.USM sat down in the meeting on Monday and after a few introductory words by the Ministry handed over the letter stating they would stick to their decision of November 23 and close the University as the offer from government was too late, was not sufficient, and they could not restart in January as there was no registration in November and holidays were approaching.No matter what efforts were made to discuss the points of disagreement within the MOU, USM stuck to its gameplan and refused the offer.USM stated in its letter that the only viable options to restart were:

Get sufficient funds (we offered what had been asked in the MOU and their regular subsidy never stopped)

Get a structured increase (that was offered as well in the MOU)

Guarantee the Higher Education Ordinance by June 2018 (we have it as priority in the MOU with a deadline of December 2018)

In conclusion, USM has decided to jeopardize the futures of all students currently unable to continue their studies or start in January and put the employment of their employees further at risk in order to prove that they are right and the government, which should have finalized legislation for Higher Education, caused their demise.Government of St. Maarten stands firm in its resolve and commitment to assist USM to survive as it is the only opportunity for many for higher education on the island. Government pledges to continue to support and increase support to USM, however, in a transparent, efficient and effective manner where accountability is adhered to. Government is of the opinion that dialogue on this matter was prematurely cut off by USMF and hopes USMF rethinks its position and the weight of their decision to refuse government’s offer - unless they have a better offer which they have not enlightened us about.For the record, USM did inform in writing that one of the six options available including filing for Moratorium was “Negotiating with the incoming coalition to restart USM ...” - this statement would require much explanation as that date is not yet known and the same Ministry and departments would have to advise the new Minister as well.The general public and USMF is reminded that the land on which the University stands is leased land from Government and Government’s permission is needed to transfer such assets or take loans/mortgages on it. So any other plans would require transparency towards government.USMF is also further reminded that as long as they continue to not hold classes that their current subsidy can be suspended or stopped according to the subsidy ordinance pending further agreements.These are all scenarios government has avoided over the years including post-Irma in the interest of continuity of the institution and the important role it plays in the community. The USMF board should seriously consider the consequences of its actions to the students, staff, and community of St. Maarten.USM has submitted a request on the afternoon of December 12th to meet with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport where they plan to revisit and discuss the proposed MOU again. The meeting request has been honored and will take place on Wednesday, December 13th 2017.

Press Release from the Ministry of ECYS

]]>admin@smn-news.com (SMN NEWS TEAM)Local NewsTue, 12 Dec 2017 23:18:26 -0400K1 Britannia Foundation to host 4th Annual Christmas Angels Program.http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/27905-k1-britannia-foundation-to-host-4th-annual-christmas-angels-program.html
http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/27905-k1-britannia-foundation-to-host-4th-annual-christmas-angels-program.htmlPHILIPSBURG:--- Christmas is a time for giving, showing and receiving love. The K1 Britannia Christmas Angels Program is a perfect way to show that this holiday season.

K1 Britannia’s post-disaster relief work is aimed at bringing back some sort of normalcy to the community, but the Christmas Angels Program is aimed at bringing back joy and smiles to the many that need it.Since 2014, the foundation has hosted its annual Christmas Angels Program and will host it this year despite the circumstances after Hurricane Irma. The community is encouraged to visit the K1 Britannia team from Thursday, December 14th to Sunday, December 17th between the hours of 9 AM – 6 PM at the New Government Administration Building on Pond Island.

The two large Christmas trees will be filled with over 600 little angels which were all made with love by and represents a foster child, a client of the Sister Basilia Center, a resident of the St. Martin’s Home, a client of Mental Health Foundation, a member of UJIMA, or an underprivileged child who needs some extra love this Christmas. Persons can pass by, choose a special angel, buy a present for the child or elder it represents and in return get to keep the little angel as a gift from that person to them. This enables persons to feel the impact one single act can have on another child or elder.

For more information about the program and how you can be a part of it as an individual or company, contact the foundation at foundation@k1britannia.org , +1(721)553-8186 or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/k1sxm.

K1 Britannia Foundation Press Release

]]>admin@smn-news.com (SMN NEWS TEAM)Local NewsTue, 12 Dec 2017 19:13:05 -0400FirstCaribbean International Bank Limited Exploring A Potential Stock Market Listing.http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/27904-firstcaribbean-international-bank-limited-exploring-a-potential-stock-market-listing.html
http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/27904-firstcaribbean-international-bank-limited-exploring-a-potential-stock-market-listing.htmlBRIDGETOWN, Barbados:--- FirstCaribbean International Bank Limited is exploring a potential stock market listing of some of its shares in the U.S., the world’s deepest capital market. No decisions have been made. However, a listing on the NYSE would provide CIBC FirstCaribbean with access to a larger investor base, enhanced liquidity, and greater access to capital.CIBC FirstCaribbean has delivered strong operating performance and financial results over the last three years. During this period, we have achieved an increase in adjusted net income of $123 million in 2015 to $153 million in 2017 (a CAGR of 11%), with a strongly improving asset quality profile.We have demonstrated continued market share gains with greater than average market growth across most geographies and business segments. We have achieved this by offering a superior client experience and technology interface together with our full suite of products and services.This trend is set to continue and we remain focused on delivering excellent service to our clients and providing the best possible return on investment for our shareholders.

CIBC FirstCaribbean Press Release

]]>admin@smn-news.com (SMN NEWS TEAM)Local NewsTue, 12 Dec 2017 18:37:56 -0400Plenary Session of Parliament on Draft National Ordinance Integrity Chamber on Wednesday.http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/27903-plenary-session-of-parliament-on-draft-national-ordinance-integrity-chamber-on-wednesday.html
http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/27903-plenary-session-of-parliament-on-draft-national-ordinance-integrity-chamber-on-wednesday.htmlPHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a plenary public meeting on Wednesday, December 13, 2017. The Minister of General Affairs will be present.The urgent plenary public meeting is scheduled for 14.00 hrs in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

Amendment to article 69 and addition several new articles to the Rules of Order

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, SXMGOV Radio 107.9 FM, video live stream via the internet www.pearlfmradio.sx, www.sxmparliament.org and also Parliament FB page: Parliament of Sint Maarten.

PARIS, France:--- Recent hurricanes have left unprecedented devastation across the Caribbean and it is a traumatic time for all those who live in the region. Whole communities and towns have been decimated, and the global community needs to act quickly and give generously to relieve suffering and help to rebuild.Alongside the on-going emergency response, Caribbean leaders today announced the launch of a new public-private coalition to create the world's first "climate-smart zone". The Caribbean Climate-Smart Coalition aims to find a way to break through the systemic obstacles that stop finance flowing to climate-smart investments. With the right domestic and international reforms, the world can step up – and help unleash the means to catalyze an ambitious US $8 billion investment plan to bring greater energy and infrastructure resilience to 3.2 million Caribbean households. This would help Caribbean islands to eliminate their costly dependency on fossil fuels so that they can meet close to 100% percent of their energy needs from renewable sources, and to embed resilience into communities and livelihoods to realize the bold ambitions of all Caribbean people.The announcement came at the One Planet Summit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to review progress made on the Paris Agreement adopted by global governments two years ago today.The Coalition aims to reinvigorate the islands that have been impacted by recent hurricanes Irma and Maria, and help build more resilient infrastructure and communities across the region as the likelihood of future extreme weather events increases.

Digital News Agency Press Release

]]>admin@smn-news.com (SMN NEWS TEAM)Local NewsTue, 12 Dec 2017 18:26:20 -0400AIDS 2017: Everybody counts end AIDS.http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/27900-aids-2017-everybody-counts-end-aids.html
http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/27900-aids-2017-everybody-counts-end-aids.htmlGREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- World AIDS Day was observed on December 1st. It provided an opportunity to increase awareness, education and a greater understanding of HIV as a global public health issue.

This holiday season, the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA), calls on the Sint Maarten community to take time out to remember and pay respect and tribute to those that they have known who passed away from the disease.

CPS also reminds members of the community to practice safe sex this holiday season.

Currently, there are many scientifically proven prevention options that health services can offer to help people prevent HIV infection and protect their health.

These measures include new options such as self-administered HIV testing, which can be done at home, and the availability of HIV testing in places other than health centers. In Latin America, 2 in 10 people with HIV and 4 in 10 in the Caribbean do not know they have the virus, which represents an improvement over last year. Early diagnosis improves the quality of life of people with HIV and also helps prevent new infections. To benefit from such it is recommended for persons to get tested.

The 2017 theme for World AIDS Day was: “Everybody counts. End AIDS.”

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in collaboration with UNAIDS, launched the report, HIV Prevention in the Spotlight - An Analysis from the Perspective of the Health Sector in Latin America and the Caribbean, which analyzes the progress made and the challenges faced by health systems in preventing HIV transmission.

The focus on HIV combination prevention, early detection and access to antiretroviral treatment are essential to end HIV transmission. Governments, health service providers, international organizations, civil society organizations, people living with HIV, key populations and other stakeholders should work together in the response to HIV.

The PAHO/UNAIDS reports indicate that expanding access to all HIV prevention options that are now available would reduce the number of new cases of HIV in Latin America and the Caribbean, which since 2010 has remained at 120,000 every year.

According to the report and UNAIDS data, the majority (64%) of new HIV cases occur in gays and other men who have sex with men, in sex workers and their clients, in transgender women, in people who inject themselves drugs, and in couples belonging to those key population groups. In addition, one-third of new infections occur in young people aged 15 to 24.

The report advocates what is known as the combination prevention approach, which is based on scientific evidence, respect for human rights and non-discrimination, and which includes three elements: offering a comprehensive package of biomedical interventions to users, promotion of healthy behaviors, and establishment of enabling environments that facilitate access to and use of prevention measures.

The AIDS epidemic in the Caribbean 2016 according to UNAIDS data says there is an estimated 310,000 (280,000-350,000) people were living with HIV in the Caribbean as of 2016; Approximately 18,000 (15,000-22,000) new HIV infections occurred in the region.

Some 9,400 (7,300-12,000) people died from AIDS-related illnesses in the Caribbean. Between 2010 and 2016, the number of AIDS-related deaths in the region declined 28%.

Treatment coverage reached 52% (41% -60%) of all people living with HIV in the Caribbean and fewer than 1,000 new HIV infections occurred in children in the Caribbean.

There are incremental steps made in HIV which leads to some wins but to guarantee 100% it takes all persons to collectively work together in creating opportunities by means of providing the collected data, documenting and sharing on the various experienced scenarios to be used as input to improve or develop effective preventive programs, services, treatment and management and to provide care.

The success is dependent on each one to comply and implement the advised preventive measures/tips and realize the necessary tasks/assignments.

CPS advises let us collectively work along the 2017 theme for World AIDS Day was: “Everybody counts. End AIDS.” Additional concerns consult your family physician or the Sint Maarten Aids Foundation.

]]>admin@smn-news.com (SMN NEWS TEAM)Local NewsTue, 12 Dec 2017 18:08:00 -0400Suspects in ill-treatment case arrested.http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/27899-suspects-in-ill-treatment-case-arrested.html
http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/27899-suspects-in-ill-treatment-case-arrested.htmlCAY HILL:--- Detectives have arrested all three suspects in the ongoing investigation concerning a male victim who was seriously injured with a machete which caused a wound to one of his arms. The incident happened on December 2nd, 2017 on Welgelegen Road in the vicinity of Sea Breeze Hotel. The two male suspects identified with initials J.M. and A. v. P. voluntarily turned themselves in at the Police Headquarters while the female suspect identified with initials J.L. was arrested at her home. All suspects remain in custody for further investigation.

Police chase suspect firearm found.On Monday, December 11th a police patrol during a routine control in the area of Crystal Bar on the Soualiga Road saw a man walking very suspiciously with a container in his hand. The area is known to be one where drugs and weapons are sold and bought. When the officers approached this man to find out what the contents of the containers was the suspect started behaving increasingly suspicious. As the officers stepped out of the patrol vehicle to approach this man he took off running through the dark and narrow alleys in the area. The officers chased the suspect on foot and saw when he threw an object under a table in one of the alleys. The suspect disappeared into the darkness. A search of the area was done by the investigating officers and a black 9-millimeter pistol was found exactly where the suspect had dropped the object.This weapon was confiscated for further investigation along with three small plastic bags containing a small amount of marijuana which were in the container. The suspect was not arrested.

KPSM Police Report

]]>admin@smn-news.com (SMN NEWS TEAM)Local NewsTue, 12 Dec 2017 18:05:48 -0400Rotarian Brian Greene receives PHF+2 award.http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/27898-rotarian-brian-greene-receives-phf-2-award.html
http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/27898-rotarian-brian-greene-receives-phf-2-award.htmlPHILIPSBURG:--- Rotarian Brian Greene of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle was honored with his PHF+2 by Rotarian Aernout Kraaijeveld as Brian and his wife Cathy donated pretty much everything they had on SXM to hurricane Irma victims: they let people stay in their home and let them use everything they had. Brian also gave away a motorcycle to provide needed transportation even though his own car was totaled. Brian was a medical student here on St. Maarten at AUC, he has now left us to peruse his internship back in the states. Brian is a past president of his previous club The Rotary Club of Carson City Sunset in Carson City, Nevada. Mid Isle Rotarians consider Brian a True Rotarian at Heart.When $US1000 is contributed to The Rotary Foundation, a request can be made for an individual to be recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow; that person can be a Rotarian or a member of the community who is not a Rotarian.When a person is recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow, they are presented with a Certificate signed by the Rotary International President and the Chairman of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation, and a lapel pin and medallion. The contribution to The Rotary Foundation can be made in one sum or by cumulative giving over a number of years. Individuals can make a personal contribution or the contribution can be from a club, a company or business.The Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle presently meets Tuesday at 7pm at Pineapple Pete in Simpson Bay. For more information please contact rotarysxm.mi@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle.